Wyoming needs to quit spending money

Posted: Friday, Jan 11th, 2013

By KARL ALLRED

Evanston resident

As I read Representative Allen Jaggi's letter in the paper the other day, I was glad to see someone who hit the nail on the head. I am amazed that our legislature would even consider raising taxes in any form. Wyoming has been referred to as the most conservative state, but our legislature and governor seem to follow Washington's playbook, spending money like there is no end to it.

Several items come to mind when we talk about our "conservative" Republican legislature. Wyoming is the number one state in government employees per capita. We also are the number state in receiving federal money per capita. While we have some number one positions we can be proud of, don't think these qualify.

When we address the subject of increasing the fuel tax, there are many reasons used to try to justify it. They say 58 percent of the money raised would be from out-of-state users. While that sounds good, what it glosses over is the fact that all Wyoming citizens will be paying tax on every gallon we buy. With the rural nature of Wyoming, we drive more miles on average than people in other states. With the economy the way it is heading, the last thing we need is more taxes on everyone.

We spend way too much money on the University of Wyoming, raiding the highway funds and other departments just to give them more. Now, the governor is asking for $70 million more, in addition to what they were given in the budget passed last year. I have a problem with the amount of my tax money going to a university that indoctrinates our kids with liberal thoughts that do not reflect the beliefs of most people in Wyoming.

The bottom line is: DO NOT RAISE TAXES. Instead quit acting like Washington and learn to QUIT SPENDING OUR MONEY.